Operating experience, operating cycles, and consolidation of knowledge and skills

This regulation establishes the operating experience requirements pilots and other crewmembers must complete before serving on revenue flights in a specific aircraft type. After finishing ground and flight training, pilots must accumulate actual flight hours and operating cycles (takeoffs and landings) while supervised by a check pilot.

The required hours vary by aircraft group and training type:

• Initial training: 15-25 hours depending on aircraft (reciprocating, turboprop, or jet)
• Transition training: 10-25 hours depending on aircraft and crew position
• All pilots need at least 4 operating cycles, with at least 2 as pilot flying

Pilots in command must be supervised by a check pilot occupying a pilot station and observed by an FAA inspector on at least one flight leg during initial or upgrade training. This ensures new captains or pilots transitioning to unfamiliar aircraft gain real-world experience under supervision before operating independently. The FAA may authorize reduced requirements for closely related aircraft types.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*